From the rooftop of the Duomo, you can see the graceful porticoes and ornate friezes of medieval Milan fade into the sharp lines and angles of the modern city. It's a clear reminder that Milan isn't just a relic from the past. It's a bustling, forward-looking city whose fashion sense and robust economy drive northern Italy -- if not the entire country.

Milan has grown throughout its 2,700 year history of trade, conquest, occupation and conflict to become the Italian city with the most international outlook. It leads the country as economic capital, and it leads the world in certain fields such as fashion and design, but the brilliance of its private enterprise contrasts with the inefficiency of its public institutions (a problem common to all Italy and not just to Milan).

Milan is certainly the most European of Italian cities. Nonetheless, almost everything closes down during the month of August. It has a good public tour, the heart of the city is full of historical monuments and interesting museums. The starting point for visiting the city is Piazza del Duomo leading to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. Centre of political and social life where the Milanese love to meet for lively discussions or to read their local newspaper, the corrierre della sera. La Scala, built in the 18C, puts on a prestigious opera season wich opens in December, while the equally famous Piccolo Teatro also offers an interesting cultural programme.

Often called the least Italian of the country's cities, Milan doesn't draw the tourists that tend to overrun Rome, Florence and Venice. But once you've strolled its narrow downtown streets and visited its spacious suburban parks, we think you'll find its blend of old and new quite appealing. Yes, it's a big-business city, with hundreds of banks and corporate offices. But it also has plenty of attractions -- including its many-spired cathedral, a world-renowned opera house and dozens of smart designer boutiques -- to keep you busy for a few days, if not a full week.

Local Travel Agent(s):
	Kite Viaggi
	Address: Via Roma 14 Pachino 96018 Italy Phone: +39 0931 596094, Fax: +39 0931 596094
	Levantades
	Address: Piazza Wagner, 6 Milan Italy Phone: +39 0243982420, Fax: +39 43982552